Author: News Desk

Abu Dhabi : The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and both Costa Rica and Mauritius have come into force. The agreements will contribute to the elimination or reduction of customs duties on a wide range of goods. The agreements will also simplify customs procedures and establish new pathways for investment in priority sectors within the United Arab Emirates and across markets in Central America and Africa. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said that the agreements serve as a catalyst for deepening economic cooperation and enhancing connectivity with…

Manama : The organising committee of the Al Dana Drama Award has opened nominations for its second edition, held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. The award, organised by the Ministry of Information, aims to support drama production and promote the Gulf’s creative industries. Entries are open to production companies, satellite channels, and digital platforms that hold the rights to the submitted works. Both public and private sector entities may…

Washington : Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in a discussion session organised by the Heritage Foundation at its headquarters in Washington. The session was attended by Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the US. The session discussed the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries in economic, trade, defence, and development fields. The session also explored means to advance these relations towards broader horizons in support of common interests and goals. The session included an exchange of views on the latest developments in the Middle East, ongoing…

Vilnius : Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, announced that the bodies of three out of four United States soldiers who went missing in the country last week have been found, after their armoured vehicle sank in a swamp during a military exercise. The search for the fourth missing soldier is still ongoing. President Nausėda wrote on the X platform: “It is with deep sadness and sorrow that I received the news of the tragic loss of three US soldiers,” adding, “Lithuania mourns together with the American nation”. He noted that search and rescue operations will continue until…

Washington : Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said on Monday that while U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to impose sweeping tariffs have created significant uncertainty and affected confidence, a near term recession remains unlikely. Georgieva noted during a forum interview that no sharp economic impact has been observed so far, and the IMF does not currently anticipate a looming recession. She indicated that the IMF is expected to make a slight downward revision to its global economic outlook in the upcoming update of the World Economic Outlook report, which is scheduled to be released in…

Manama : Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East, invited all ticket holders for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025 to attend the Formula 1 pit lane walk on Thursday, April 10. BIC announced that the pit lane walk will take place from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, with circuit gates opening at 4:00 PM. The event offers ticket holders the opportunity to observe F1 teams and drivers up close as they prepare for the start of the new season. BIC encouraged fans to visit its ticket centre at Bahrain City Centre…

Moscow : Kazakhstan’s oil and gas condensate production reached a record high in March, supported by increased output at the Tengiz oilfield and steady exports via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), industry sources said. According to Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry, production totalled 8.95 million metric tons, equivalent to 2.17 million barrels per day (bpd). The country has repeatedly exceeded its OPEC+ crude oil quota, which is set at 1.468 million bpd. Gas condensate output is not included under the quota. Despite drone attacks on CPC infrastructure in February and March, Kazakhstan’s oil exports remained stable. Shipments through the CPC pipeline continued…

Manama : Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club will organise the “Eid Al Fitr Festival” during its 26th and 27th races, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, April 3 and 4, 2025, in celebration of Eid Al Fitr. The festival follows the success of the Ramadan night races and forms part of the club’s continued efforts to organise various events alongside horse races in conjunction with national occasions. The two day event will offer an exceptional experience, combining Eid festivities and entertainment with competitive races featuring top horses at the club’s racecourse. Seventeen races will be held across the two days,…

Manama : The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture underscored that parks, walkways, gardens, beaches, and waterfronts; popular destinations during festive periods; are well-maintained and ready for visitors during Eid Al Fitr. Bahrain’s parks offer a variety of attractions, including green spaces, open areas, playgrounds, and sports walkways. They are also designed to be accessible for people of determination, with dedicated cycling paths and fitness equipment available. The ministry and the Governorates have prioritised the development of parks by opening new recreational spaces, upgrading existing ones, and enhancing public facilities. Every year, new entertainment and service areas are added, ensuring…

Manama : The Bahrain Space Agency (BSA) announced the latest updates on the initial operational phase of the national satellite “Al Munther,” which was successfully launched on March 15 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in the United States aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of an international mission carrying multiple satellites.   The technical team said that the first signals from the satellite were received after it reached its designated orbit. Several signals were received via the ground station, with incoming data indicating that the satellite is stable in its orbit and that its core systems are functioning within…